Testimonies

I was first introduced to BAM during a young adults camp hosted by our church last November 2023. The Tan family shared how God uses their business to minister to their employees, and how their Christian convictions enable them to be salt and light in the business community. At the time, I had just joined their Viber group but never found the time to attend their fellowships.

During that season, our business had just recovered from the debts we accumulated, during the pandemic. Amidst that already difficult time, our landlord asked us to relocate to a much more expensive space, as they had other plans for our current location. To make matters worse, when we decided to close down our first branch, the LGU officer asked for a bribe and implied that we’d face a higher evaluation if we refused to comply. Brought to my knees, I didn’t know what to do except delay the process and pray.

During my quiet time, God impressed on my heart to reach out to one of the founders of BAM Philippines for advice. She encouraged me, saying that my desire to honor God, reject the bribe, and pay in full would not be in vain. A few days later, I humbly approached the LGU officer. I told him about my faith and how I appreciated his offer to lower the payment, but because of my relationship with Christ, my heart’s desire was to honor God and pay in full. To my surprise, he showed us grace and allowed us to pay the assessed amount in full—without any increase or reassessment! That experience inspired me to finally attend one of BAM’s physical fellowships, and my only regret is not joining sooner.

The gathering was filled with Christian businessmen and women who held godly convictions and shared praise reports of God’s faithfulness amidst the challenges of operating in a worldly economy while following God’s ways. If only I had attended earlier, I would have gained His peace much sooner—through the comfort, encouragement, prayers, and advice of the BAM community. Now, I try my best to attend every fellowship and encourage every Christian in business to do the same!

Before BAM, I was ready to walk away from business. The widespread corruption in the Philippines made it feel impossible to operate with integrity and still survive. I couldn’t reconcile worshipping God on Sundays while compromising during the week just to keep the business afloat. I thought it was hopeless—until I found BAM. BAM introduced me to a community of Christian business-stewards who showed me that it is possible to honor God in business, even in a broken system. Their stories gave me a renewed sense of calling and reminded me that business, when surrendered to God, becomes a powerful tool for transformation—not just profit.

Faith now guides everything. I no longer see myself as the owner of anything; I am a steward. God is not a silent partner who receives a tithe after I’ve made my own decisions—He is the Managing Partner. He sets the direction. He has the final say. If my decisions don’t align with His Word, they’re not options. I’ve come to realize that business is a mission field. Business people are granted access to rooms and relationships that are often closed off to pastors and churches. That access is not for our own success—but for the advancement of the Kingdom. We are called to use every connection, every contract, and every opportunity to make Christ known.

As a family, we are now united in cleaning up and aligning all our businesses to honor God. It’s a long and sometimes painful journey, especially with larger companies—but our aim is to serve the Lord together. We serve a radical God who gave everything for us. He deserves nothing less than radical faith, radical obedience, and that we live radical lives for Him. To God be all the glory. 

I first encountered BAM Ministry through a Christian business mentor who shared how it transformed the way he viewed business. Curious and searching for deeper purpose, I attended the BAM Conference in October 2024—and I can truly say it was life-changing.

I was deeply inspired by entrepreneurs leading large companies who boldly chose to honor God above all else. Some closed on Sundays to honor the Lord, paid livable wages that were way above minimum requirements, and made it a priority to share the Gospel with their staff and clients. These decisions weren’t made for convenience—but for conviction. And yet, God didn’t just sustain their businesses—He caused them to grow and bear fruit.

That experience reminded me: I am not the true owner of my business—God is. I am just a steward. And He is not a silent partner; He’s the managing partner. When I align my business with His purposes, He takes care of the rest. The impact didn’t stop with me. After the conference, I shared what I learned with my parents, who are also business owners. Hearing those stories stirred something in them. They began reevaluating their own business practices and are now making bold, God-honoring decisions. More than profit, they see their business as a mission—to help others and to share the Gospel through their leadership and operations.

This journey has transformed not just how I lead, but how our whole family views work. Even in our home, conversations now center on stewardship, faith, and purpose. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

Business is more than a livelihood—it must be a platform for the Kingdom.

led me to understand His love deeply. Through trials and personal struggles, I’ve learned to trust and experience His grace. I am now eager to share His story, hoping others will also find a personal relationship with Christ.

When I started taking a more active role in our family’s business in my early teens, I honestly thought there were only a handful of us trying to navigate the complex and often perilous world of entrepreneurship while striving to honor God—even in the smallest, unseen dealings. At times, it felt isolating to raise the standard when settling was easier and compromise seemed expected.

Discovering BAM now in my twenties changed that perspective completely. Hearing the stories of Christian business owners developing their products, services, and organizations on timeless biblical principles reminded me that God is not only the author of business, but also the one who gives the power to create wealth. What stood out most was seeing people who don’t just talk about faith, but weave it intentionally into their strategy, leadership, and decisions—remaining steadfast even in the most challenging seasons.

As a young and life-long learner seeking to apply myself further in the business space, what I value most is the mentorship, support, and wisdom shared so freely. Knowing there are others who have walked through difficult negotiations with the BIR, regulatory hurdles with City Hall, and leadership challenges within their own organizations—all while remaining strategic, honest, and faithful—has served as a sharpening tool, shaping me to make informed and integrity-driven decisions.

I am convinced that God is raising up Christian Filipino entrepreneurs to play a significant role in revitalizing our nation—not just for profit, but in stewarding people, resources, and opportunities for His glory. Witnessing even a few imperfect yet committed individuals faithfully live out their calling in business reminds me of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem—not alone, but with families and workers shoulder to shoulder, each repairing their section. In the same way, when family businesses, SMEs, and start‑ups are strengthened by a community of like‑minded believers, they can build enterprises that create meaningful and sustainable impact for their clients, their communities, and ultimately for Christ.

In 2023, I was invited by one of the Core Leads of BAM to volunteer at the first-ever BAM Cebu Conference to serve as one of the ushers. When I took the opportunity to join, little did I know that I will be part of the Cebu core team. This is my first ministry outside the four walls of the church and personally, joining BAM has allowed me to see things in a new perspective. In terms of ministry and business, it has helped me broaden my capacity and understanding for the ministry in the marketplace that God has a mighty work to do through the Christian Business Owners (CBOs).

It was a blessing to know that there were remnants of CBOs who took heed of their calling and took the stand to make a difference in honoring God in the marketplace, in order to create an impactful change to the business and political landscape of our nation. Ultimately, God is glorified!

As a start-up CBO myself, there were real challenges concerning profit and integrity in keeping the business running and doing it His way. Belonging to this ministry and community has opened an avenue for a safe space especially among CBOs to discuss and encourage one another. Now I can call BAMily my life group. I am learning to take every step in embracing the calling to honor God in the business – to be Biblical, Authentic, and Missional.

I attended the first BAM Conference during a season when I was facing uncertainty in business. I began questioning my direction, my ability, and even my calling. But in that moment of discouragement, God met me. Through BAM, I was reminded that setbacks aren’t signs of failure—they’re part of a greater process. That day changed how I viewed business: not as a burden, but as a mission.

I began my entrepreneurial journey at 19—driven and full of vision, but still figuring things out. Now, over a decade later, I’ve learned that running a business isn’t just about strategy or success—it’s about stewardship. BAM taught me that business can be a powerful platform for discipleship, generosity, and Kingdom impact. Profit doesn’t have to compete with purpose—they can walk hand in hand. As a millennial entrepreneur, I know we’re in a unique position to influence the next generation. The way we live, lead, and honor God through our work can become a light and a legacy.

Juggling the demands of business and full-time ministry hasn’t been easy. But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always loud—it’s often quiet obedience. It’s choosing prayer over panic, people over profit, and purpose over pressure. That same faith has shaped how I relate to my family—leading with grace, listening with empathy, and staying grounded in Christ.

BAM didn’t just shift my mindset—it reshaped my mission. As Proverbs says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” Today, I walk with peace, knowing my journey—as a businesswoman, minister, and daughter—is led by Him.